Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated optic neuritis with COVID-19 infection: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Purpose: To demonstrate the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and MOG antibody associated optic neuritis.

Observations: A 35-year-old Thai woman presented with acute blurred vision of her left eye with pain on eye movement for six days and had dry cough for one week before the onset of visual loss. Her visual acuity was 20/32 in the right eye and counting fingers with a RAPD in the left eye. She had bilateral disc swelling, more prominent on the left eye. A CT scan of the brain and orbits showed swollen optic nerve sheath complex both eyes. Serology test was positive for serum anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody. Her nasopharyngeal swab for SARS-CoV-2 PCR was also positive. The diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 associated MOG antibody optic neuritis was made.

Conclusions and importance: This case of MOG antibody associated optic neuritis after COVID-19 infection, along with several other cases reported in the literature, suggests that there may be an association between COVID-19 infection and MOG antibody-associated disease. However, larger case-controlled studies are required to confirm this association.

Keywords: Coronavirus disease 2019; Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein; Optic neuritis; Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.